Leg Wounds
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Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates
Vascular Surgeons located in Vero Beach, FL & Fort Pierce, FL
The leg wounds caused by vascular disease are slow to heal, quick to spread, and without aggressive medical care they can often lead to serious infections. At Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates, Pranay Ramdev, MD, FACS, provides comprehensive care for leg wounds, from treating the cause of the wound to providing expert wound care. Never wait to get treatment for a leg wound. At the first sign of an open leg wound, call one of the offices in Vero Beach or Fort Pierce, Florida, or book an appointment online.
Leg Wounds Q & A
What type of leg wound develops due to vascular disease?
The leg wounds that develop from vascular conditions are known by several different names, including venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.
These wounds are slow to heal. In fact, they don’t heal on their own; they need intensive medical treatment.
Without medical care, leg wounds keep expanding, putting you at risk of developing an infection that can spread to your skin or bones.
What vascular conditions cause leg wounds?
Venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, and diabetic vascular disease can cause leg wounds.
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency occurs when blood accumulates in an area of your leg vein. As the vein becomes engorged, varicose veins often develop. Additionally, blood pressure builds up in the vein in your lower leg.
High pressure forces fluids out of the vein and into the surrounding tissues. The fluids break down the skin and a wound called an ulcer develops, most often around your ankle, inside your leg below the knee, or on your feet.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD is caused by cholesterol-filled plaque that builds up on the artery wall. The plaque enlarges and blocks blood flow, which in turn deprives the surrounding tissues of oxygen.
The loss of oxygen leads to the breakdown of tissues and a slow-healing wound. Arterial ulcers often develop on the toes, heels, and outer ankle.
Diabetic vascular disease
If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled, high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels and nerves in your feet. Numbness due to nerve damage and the loss of blood flow can cause even the smallest cut or abrasion on your foot to quickly develop into an ulcer.
How are leg wounds treated?
Dr. Ramdev treats the underlying condition while also providing aggressive wound care.
Treatments for underlying conditions
If you have diabetes, it’s essential to keep your blood sugar in the normal range with dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and medication.
To treat peripheral arterial disease and varicose veins, Dr. Ramdev uses ultrasound imaging to guide a catheter to the problem area. Then he deploys tools, medication, or radiofrequency energy from the catheter to eliminate the condition.
Treatments for leg wounds
You may receive one or more of the following treatments for slow-healing ulcers:
- Compression stockings
- Wound cleaning and debridement
- Specialized dressings
- Antibiotic therapy
- Bioengineered tissue substitutes
- Negative pressure wound therapy
- Wound care education
When you have ongoing leg pain, skin changes, or an open wound, don’t wait to seek help at Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates. At the first sign of vascular problems, call the nearest office or book an appointment online.
